Heavy Snow — Western Columbia Gorge, Washington

2017-01-10 to 2017-01-11 · Western Columbia Gorge, Washington

Event narrative

A local TV meteorologist reported 4 inches in Corbett across the river, and there was another report of 4 inches of snow in Gresham. Seems likely with 8-12+ inches east and west of this zone that somewhere in the western Columbia River Gorge got at least 4-6 inches of snow. I-84 was closed for 15 hours due to hazardous road conditions.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system moved up from the southwest. Surface temperatures as precipitation started were just above freezing, but with heavy showers, rain quickly turned over to snow during the early evening. Embedded thunderstorms enhanced snowfall rates around the Vancouver Metro for a crippling snowstorm Tuesday evening, with snow continuing to fall through Wednesday morning.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 677797. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.